Cedefop's first policy learning forum, which focuses on the definition and writing of learning outcomes for vocational education and training (VET) qualifications, takes place on 24 and 25 September in Thessaloniki.

A main priority for Cedefop is to support Member States and social partners in further developing and improving VET and lifelong learning policies and practices.

To be able to do this in a systematic way, the agency organises a series of policy learning forums covering a range of subjects.

This first forum explores the way learning outcomes approaches are applied in initial vocational education and training (IVET) throughout Europe. It focuses on three VET qualifications; plumbing (heating and cooling); CNC machine operation; and tourism and travel. They were selected to show the wide scope of knowledge, skills and competences covered by current VET qualifications.

In his opening speech, Cedefop Director James Calleja said that it is great to see this experiment happening: 'In this joint effort with the Commission, our intention is to support Member States and social partners directly.'

Participants are involved in an active process of dialogue and exchange of experiences in the plenary sessions as well as in the working groups with the aim to present as many national approaches as possible and use this as a basis for identifying challenges and opportunities in defining and writing learning outcomes.

The final plenary session aims to draw together the findings and identify issues to be addressed more systematically in the future – through new forums or in other forms of cooperation and policy support.

For more information, visit the event page.